FOREST CITY – One of Waldorf’s recent graduates is getting his shot at professional baseball.
Left-handed starting pitcher Dylan Hoffman was drafted by the San Diego Padres on Wednesday in the final day of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

Hoffman, who lives about 100 miles north of San Diego in Anaheim Hills, California, was the sixth player drafted in the 39th round on Wednesday, pick No. 1,163 in the three-day MLB Draft.

“I am thankful for this opportunity and I am going to work hard every day,” Hoffman said. “I am excited and happy to put Waldorf on the map and I know the future at Waldorf is bright with the talent they have playing under a great coaching staff.

“I could not have been where I’m at without (head) coach Joe Tautges, Coach Casey (Schuermann) and coach Tucker Hughes, as well as the great staff in the training room and at Athletico,” added Hoffman, who was named the Athletico Comeback Player of the Year in April. “Big thanks to Austin Hills and Dom Woodward for the amount of effort they put in to make me healthy and stronger.”

Hoffman transferred to Waldorf from Hope International (Calif.) where he pitched in 19 games for the Royals as a reliever.

Playing his final season of collegiate ball for the Warriors, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound lefty went 4-3 on the mound in 11 starts this spring, and in 54 1-3 innings pitched, Hoffman compiled a 6.63 ERA and struck out 47 opposing batters.

“I’m blessed to have the teammates I shared the field with at Waldorf,” said Hoffman, who majored in Business.

“I hope this gives everyone hope and motivation to never giving up on your dreams no matter what sport you play, always stay positive,” Hoffman added.